"Let's Face It"

Let's face it...we spend lots of money on beauty treatments!  However, honey offers a beauty regiment that's least expensive and better for you!

HONEY AS A BEAUTY PRODUCT

Manufacturers have used honey in everything from hand lotions and moisturizers to bar soaps and bubble baths. One reason they use honey is for its wholesome, all-natural image; more and more consumers are demanding cosmetics and personal care products made from natural ingredients. In the case of honey, however, image is just the beginning.

First, honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. This makes honey a natural fit in a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners.

Look for honey in store-bought beauty products or simply add a squeeze of honey to your moisturizer, shampoo or soap at home. For some extra pampering, try whipping up a simple beauty recipe yourself.

Using honey, a natural humectant with antimicrobial properties, The National Honey Board has created a series of recipes that will help hydrate skin while relaxing the soul.

Facial Toner

•1 Tablespoon honey

•1 apple, peeled and cored

In blender, puree honey with a peeled, cored apple. Smooth over face; leave on 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Cucumber Honey Eye Nourisher

Makes 4 treatments

•1 Tbsp. aloe vera gel

•2 tsp. cucumber, peeled with seeds removed

•1/2 tsp. chamomile tea

•1/2 tsp. honey

Steep chamomile tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. In food processor or blender combine cucumber, aloe vera and honey. Blend on low setting. Add chamomile tea. Blend until smooth. Apply gently under eyes using ring finger. Store in glass dish covered with plastic wrap in refrigerator for up to one week. Best applied chilled.

Tip: Benefits: Reduces puffiness, cools and refreshes contours under eyes.

Firming Face Mask

•1 Tablespoon honey

•1 egg white

•1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores)

•approx. 1/4 cup flour

Whisk together all ingredients and enough flour to form a paste (approximately 1/4 cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

(Note: See the National Honey Board for more information at: http://www.honey.com/)